JFH Music News

March, 2009

*Tuesday, March 31st, 2009*

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) today announced the final nominees for the Dove Award for
Songwriter of the Year, to be presented at the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards. The nominees are Steven Curtis Chapman,
Natalie Grant, Brandon Heath, Jason Ingram and Tony Wood. The recipient of the Dove Award for Songwriter of the Year will be named
during the awards show on April 23rd at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The show is scheduled for live broadcast on the Gospel
Music Channel, and tickets are now on sale to the public at http://www.ticketmaster.com/ or at...
<< Full Report >>

Integrity Music/Gateway Create artist Kari Jobe will be the featured guest on the popular
"Life Today with James Robison" on Thursday, April 2.
"Life Today" airs on various cable and satellite broadcast channels including ABC Family (5:30 a.m. ET) and TBN (11 a.m. ET) as well
as in syndication in various markets across the U.S. and Canada. To find a television outlet in a specific market, please visit...
<< Full Report >>

Faceless International, an organization that gives first hand knowledge of Human
Trafficking through education and interaction, has been nominated for a MySpace Impact Award. Currently Faceless is leading spring
break trips in Los Angeles, and has summer projects heading to Ukraine, Guatemala and New York. These trips gives participants a
hands-on experience in ways to impact the world and end human trafficking.
Started by Stephen Christian of the band Anberlin; Seth Cain former road manager of...
<< Full Report >>

On the heels of five Dove Award nominations, recent music features on AOL Music's homepage,
ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," NBC's "Biggest Loser," and The Style Network's new reality show "Running In Heels,"
Fervent/Reprise Records artist Francesca Battistelli is at the top of the charts -
again! This time, though, she's #1 on four charts!
Battistelli's single, "Free to be Me," reached #1 this week on all three R&R Christian radio...
<< Full Report >>

On April 10th, Caleb Rowden will introduce the first single off his forthcoming summer release
Until Everyone is Free. The single, aptly titled "Love Song for a King" expresses our need and longing to encounter God in
worship. 'This is really just a simple song of surrender," explains Rowden. "Our worship should be a blatant declaration to the world
of what God has done for us. That's what this song is all about."
This new single also signifies a step in a new direction for Rowden and his music. Recorded in Seattle...
<< Full Report >>

Save the City Records has announced the Fall 2009 release of well-known Seattle
producer/singer/songwriter Brandon Bee's debut CD, This Is The Revolution.
The pop/rocker first came to the attention of the production world under the mentorship of producer Lou Carto (Randy Travis, B.B. King)
and Dove Award-nominated Christian artist/producer Morgan Cryar. After moving back to the Northwest from Nashville, Bee began
producing bands in...
<< Full Report >>

Soul-stirring rocker Mike Farris releases
Mike Farris SHOUT! LIVE, a collection of live recordings from the Sunday Night Shout series at the legendary Station Inn in
Nashville. Featuring the McCrary Sisters and the Roseland Rhythm Revue, Mike Farris SHOUT! LIVE captures the energy, power
and emotional conviction that has become synonymous with a Mike Farris performance. The album will feature songs from four nights of
recording during the fall of 2008 and will be released on both Vinyl and CD on April 14th...
<< Full Report >>

Cross Movement Records is pleased to announce the March 31, 2009 release of The Dash,
the debut solo CD from The Cross Movement's The Tonic (AKA John Wells).
The Dash explores the life lived between the dates on a tombstone, the seemingly insignificant occurrences that God will hold
people accountable for --how that life was lived, the decisions made and how that person has set the stage for the life to come.
As a member of The Cross Movement, The Tonic has toured globally, earned two GRAMMY nominations, a Stellar Award nomination and two...
<< Full Report >>

*Monday, March 30th, 2009*

Superchick heads out early next month on its spring 2009 “Hey! Hey! (That’s Freedom You Hear)” tour,
visiting nine states through early May. Accompanying the group will be celebrated “Revolve” tour speaker Rachel Hockett and Essential
Records sister duo, Tal & Acacia.
Kicking off Friday, April 3, at Roncalli Auditorium in Manitowoc, Wis., the tour, whose tagline is “a one night event about life above
the noise,” is packaged as a conference-style event...
<< Full Report >>

Everyday Sunday returns with its second Inpop Records release, Best Night of Our Lives, June 16,
2009. Produced by Mark Lee Townsend (Relient K, Jennifer Knapp, Supertones) and mixed by JR McNeely (Paramore, Jeremy Camp, tobyMac),
Best Night of Our Lives finds the band exploring a more aggressive rock approach.
The follow-up to Everyday Sunday’s Inpop debut, Wake Up! Wake Up!, Best Night of Our Lives makes a power...
<< Full Report >>

Gospel rock band Guardian have announced the premier of a
unique Internet video show that will encompass live performances, interviews, and candid reality-show footage.
The project reunites original band members Jamie Rowe, Tony Palacios, David Bach, and Karl Ney, along with newest member, guitarist
Jamey Perrenot (Taylor Swift, LeAnn Rimes).
“The idea for “House of Guardian” came from a show we played this past December to a crowd of 80,000 people in Buenos Aires,
Argentina” says vocalist Jamie Rowe...
<< Full Report >>

*Saturday, March 28th, 2009*

More intense competition and passionate music performances from aspiring Gospel/Christian singers hoping
to make their dreams come true will be featured as Gospel Music Channel (GMC) television network announced today that it has renewed
it's popular American Idol®-like talent search series Gospel Dream for a fourth season. Gospel Dream will be seen Saturday nights at
8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) through the summer starting June 27. The theme for the season will be "The Greatest Inspirational Songs of All Time...
<< Full Report >>

*Friday, March 27th, 2009*

It's Provident Friday Buzz time... On Saturday, the Gospel
Music Channel television network will premiere a new original series bringing fans up close and personal with their favorite artists.
Titled Revealed, the series premiere will feature GRAMMY and AMA award winning group Third Day.
Third Day: Revealed premieres on Sat, March 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. To view pictures from the GMC set of Third Day: Revealed...
<< Full Report >>

The multi-platinum, GRAMMY and AMA winning rock band Third Day is celebrating sold-out tour dates,
a hit album, and a continual No. 1 radio single.
The renowned band kicked off its spring “Revelation Tour” this month and has already seen its dates in Green Bay, WI, Pittsburgh,
PA, Worcester, MA, Shreveport, LA and the forthcoming show in Macon, GA sell out. While other major acts are starting to bow to the
current economic climate by slashing general admission ticket prices...
<< Full Report >>

Following the impressive launch of A New Hallelujah (10/28/08), Michael W. Smith
follows up with A New Hallelujah – The Live Worship DVD. The DVD project debuted at the top of the Nielsen Christian DVD
SoundScan chart and the CD reclaimed its No. 1 position on the Nielsen Christian Albums chart.
The new DVD is the video companion to Smith's latest record, and third worship album,
A New Hallelujah. Recorded live in Houston last summer before 12,000 peopl...
<< Full Report >>

On March 24, 2009, The Universal Music label Executive Music Group (EMG) nationally released the
movie debut single by the popular Pop/Inspirational/Worship group The Katinas. Executive Music Group & The Katinas are proud to be a
part of a feature documentary “The Cross: The Arthur Blessitt Story” relating to one man’s quest to share Jesus around the world
releasing nationwide MARCH 27, 2009. For the past forty years Arthur Blessitt has done something no one else has ever done, carried a
twelve-foot wooden cross through 315 nations, territories and island groups (52 at war) - or in other words every inhabited place in
the world...
<< Full Report >>

Since the announcement was made almost three weeks about Newsboys front man Peter Furler bowing out of the band, no official
statement regarding Furler's departure had been made. Finally, last night, Furler sent out this message to his friends and fans...
"Hello Friends,
Sorry for the delay in getting this brief statement out. As we say
around the nb camp, “I’ve been flat out like a lizard drinking.”
It’s been a busy time helping the lads with this transition, while at
the same time finishing up the recording and mixing of the new...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, March 26th, 2009*

Fresh of the heels of their acclaimed The End Is Not The End CD Columbus, OH
rock outfit House of Heroes gear up for the release of The Acoustic End on Itunes April 7. Release includes new acoustic
bonus tracks, "New Moon" and "Ghost" as well as a reworked version of "If".
Refusing to slow down the band is also in the mist of recording their ode to the Beatles tribute; House of Heroes Meets The Beatles EP
to hit summer 09 including covers of "Can't Buy Me Love," "It Won't Be Long" and "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da...
<< Full Report >>

Atlantic/Word rock group NEEDTOBREATHE's highly anticipated third studio album,
The Outsiders, is set to release this coming summer. The band co-produced the entire album, along with producers John Alagia
(Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer), the legendary Jim Scott (Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wilco) and once again Rick Beato, who
co-produced several tracks on the band's sophomore release, The Heat.
The band is also excited to announce the addition of David Leonard (Jackson Waters)...
<< Full Report >>

One of Christian music's most popular bands, Rush Of Fools,
has broken the Top Ten on Billboard’s mainstream AC chart this week! The song, “Never Far Away,” was re-recorded by the group as a
duet with Jim Brickman. The tune was selected by Brickman for his new CD from Time Life,
Ultimate Love Songs: The Very Best Of Jim Brickman. The single is also on Rush Of Fools’ latest project,
Wonder Of The World...
<< Full Report >>

Headlining the 2009 McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour will be recording artist
CeCe Winans along with J Moss. GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove award winning artist, CeCe
Winans released her first album in 1985 with brother BeBe Winans. Her latest solo album is described as a variety of styles and
movements, spanning energetic urban gospel, beautifully orchestrated balladry, and joyful corporate worship. Opening for CeCe Winans
is Zomba recording artist J Moss. Newer to the gospel industry arena, but equally a blessing, J Moss has gained industry...
<< Full Report >>

America's largest Christian music and teaching festivals, the Creation Festivals, are
pleased to announce the line up for Creation Northeast and Northwest. Consistently voted as the "favorite festival," by Christian music fans,
Creation Festival has proved to be the hallmark summer event. In two incredible settings, the Creation Festivals host the best
Christian artists, the most compelling speakers, and stellar entertainment for one low price...
<< Full Report >>

*Wednesday, March 25th, 2009*

Belfast, Ireland-based modern worship band Bluetree has for the fourth consecutive week captured the
top positions with God Of This City on the Christian Retail and Praise & Worship sales charts while moving up three slots this week
to land at No. 103 on the Billboard Top 200. The sales successes have firmly placed the band as the best selling new artist this year
at Christian retail.
Released March 3 on the Lucid Artist label, God Of This City has also...
<< Full Report >>

Kevin Max's wife Amanda has given birth to their third child,
Knightly Christobal Max, who came into the world at 9:23 p.m. on March 24, 2009, at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.
Knightly, who joins big sister London and big brother Wilder, measured 20 inches long and weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz.
"We decided to name our third child, Knightly Christobal, after both of our affection for medieval art and history," said Kevin Max...
<< Full Report >>

Legendary recording artist John Schlitt -- solo artist,
lead singer for GRAMMY Award-winning Christian band Petra and former lead singer for mainstream rock band Head East -- will be
joining forces with Swedish soul/R&B group Adahl for a special European tour this summer. Adahl is comprised of brothers Frank and
Simon Adahl, both formerly of award-winning Swedish contemporary Christian music group Edin/Adahl...
<< Full Report >>

A Plea For Purging have announced the dates for their first headlining tour in support
of their new album Depravity. The "We've Created a MonsTOUR" will kick off in
Georgia and make its way through California before ending up?in the upper mid west. See all dates below.
You can hear 3 songs from the new album as well as check out the band's new video (previously featured exclusively on altpress.com)...
<< Full Report >>

*Tuesday, March 24th, 2009*

With early attention from major outlets such as People, Extra among others, Mandisa
Mania is continuing with critical acclaim from CNN Online, Cleveland Leader and more. The former America Idol finalist Entertainment
Weekly called a “vocal powerhouse,” releases her anticipated sophomore project Freedom
today, Mar. 24.
"The new album is full of catchy Christian pop tunes such as...
<< Full Report >>

According to a recent article highlighting some upcoming 2009 mainstream market releases, Rolling Stone revealed some info
about the upcoming, long awaited sophomore release from Flyleaf,
"For the follow-up to their 2005 platinum debut, Flyleaf reunited with producer Howard Benson for a record that brings a Paramore-style
pop sensibility to their darker vibe...
<< Full Report >>

Following the success of two previous efforts, Louisiana-based As Cities Burn
is set to introduce their new studio recording Hell or High Water releasing April 21st on Tooth & Nail Records. Track listing below.
An exclusive track ("Gates") will also be available on iTunes with the release of Hell or High Water.
Recorded in Cleveland, TN at First Street Studio over three months, Hell or High Water...
<< Full Report >>

Gospel Music Channel television network will premiere a new original series
bringing fans up close and personal with their favorite artists, who in turn bring fans closer by revealing insights and stories
about themselves and their music in Revealed. The series premiere will feature GRAMMY and AMA award winning group Third Day.
Third Day: Revealed premieres on Sat, March 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Revealed will feature a single artist or group performing in front...
<< Full Report >>

Multiple GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove Award winner, Soul Train Award winner and double RIAA certified
Gold-selling artist Israel Houghton releases his highly anticipated album,
The Power Of One, today on Integrity Music/Columbia Records. The most widely acclaimed album ever for Houghton,
critics far and wide reaching out to a diverse variety of music fans nationally and beyond have championed the recording.
Numerous publications and broadcast outlets nationally are covering the recording’s launch, including FOX News, BET, FamilyNet...
<< Full Report >>

Relient K has fulfilled their contract with Gotee Records and has now signed with Mono Vs Stereo -- for which members
Matt Thiessen and Matt Hoopes have also joined the A&R team with. The band has begun recording again for a new album
to release later this year. Below is an announcement from Thiessen on the latest happenings,
"First off, we started recording the new record today! Right now we're working at Dark Horse Recording with our favorite
producer, Mark Lee Townsend, and after we get some tracks recorded, we're going to travel back to CA to make some tunes...
<< Full Report >>

*Monday, March 23rd, 2009*

When we spoke toHouse Of Heroes
last Fall about their latest album The End Is Not The End, the guys informed us
that they had recorded a couple of Beatles covers just for fun and didn't even know if they would ever release the tracks to
the public. Recently, they announced a Beatles cover song EP is on the horizon. Check out the band's update below,
"And finally, we announced at our...<< Full Report >>

*Sunday, March 22nd, 2009*

Cool Hand Luke's Mark Hicks issued an update on the trio today, announcing the exit of two of the band's three members
and offers some thoughts on the band's future -- including his prediction that the project he's currently working on will
be the final Cool Hand Luke release. Hicks writes...
"I'm sitting with my wife at a coffee shop in Nashville called Fido. Brandy and I are sitting at the same booth we sat at the...
<< Full Report >>

*Saturday, March 21st, 2009*

Michael W. Smith released the video companion to his newest record, and third
worship album, A New Hallelujah. Recorded live in Houston last summer before 12,000 people, a 250-voice choir and several
special guests including the African Children’s Choir and 2008 GRAMMY Award-winner, Israel Houghton, this DVD captures the
powerful experience of the evening’s worship in high-definition. The 90-minute long project features all 13 songs from
A New Hallelujah (10/28/08), plus four new tracks and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. “Smitty” kept busy this...
<< Full Report >>

*Friday, March 20th, 2009*

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) has
announced the finalists for the 2009 GMA/Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB) Radio Station of the Year contest.
The radio station awards are designed to publicly acknowledge those Christian radio stations that meet the highest standards of...
<< Full Report >>

Black Shoe Records/Indie Extreme recording artist Matt Brouwer's song Beautiful Now was number
one on the March 2, 2009 CRW Global AC, CHR, and Canadian CCM charts for a second straight week. Hitting #1 on all three charts
on the same week is a milestone achievement for the Canadian born singer/songwriter. The song, which is the first single from
his album, Where's Our Revolution, has been at the top of the...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, March 19th, 2009*

Five-time Dove Award nominee Francesca Battistelli
is having one amazing week. After wrapping up the nationwide 35-city WinterJam tour last Sunday in Nashville, Battistelli
continues to be heard everywhere from the world wide web to radio to network television.
Today, Battistelli's music video for "Free to be Me" was chosen to be AOL Music's "Video of the Day...
<< Full Report >>

New Forefront Records act Abandon rallies at Downtown
Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tenn. on Jan. 29, 2009 for the production of its forthcoming music video, "Hold On," directed
by Jeremy Cowart. The song, currently at No. 6 on the Radio & Records' Christian Rock chart, is from Abandon's self-titled
debut record, releasing April 21, 2009. Pictured are Josh Engler, Justin Engler and Bryan...
<< Full Report >>

Belfast, Ireland-based modern worship band Bluetree
gives away for a limited time its compelling, congregation-ready song “Each Day” from its acclaimed God Of This City debut album.
The free song can be found at www.givmusic.com/bluetree as the
full album remains the No. 1 best selling project for the third consecutive week at retail.
Selling more units each week than the week before since its March 3 launch on the...
<< Full Report >>

*Wednesday, March 18th, 2009*

As she nears the release of her sophomore project FREEDOM (3.24), the buzz is brewing far
and wide for American Idol Season 5 finalist and recording artist MANDISA.
**The woman Entertainment Weekly called a ‘vocal powerhouse,’ whose debut, TRUE BEAUTY, was nominated for a GRAMMY® and was the
best-selling new artist debut ever for her label...
<< Full Report >>

Grammy Award winning Christian recording artist,
Rebecca St. James was this weekend named the recipient of the 2009 Arvella
Schuller Award at ceremonies at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. The presentation was made by Dr. Robert Schuller.
The award recognizes artistic excellence in the promotion of Christian values through music, film, and the mass mediums of the...
<< Full Report >>

*Tuesday, March 17th, 2009*

Summer ’09 in Nashville will roll-out the real life 'reality' second edition of the ultimate rock 'n roll fantasy camp for students aged 13-18--Camp
Electric! On the smokin’ heels of a sold-out debut last summer, Camp Electric is back center stage this June-July with an expanded two
session registration plan. Back too this summer is one of Christian music’s most consistently relevant multi-Grammy winning,
multiple-platinum artists—tobyMac...
<< Full Report >>

In video news, VOTA's, "Hard To Believe" will make its television debut on
Gospel Music Channel, March 27. The video was directed by Carl Diebold (Third Day,
Switchfoot, Skillet, Kutless) and demonstrates the vitality of the band, utilizing razor sharp graphics and cutting edge
animation. Check out the video online at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXruyT3ziUU
The new pop/rock band had a successful iTunes...
<< Full Report >>

Big Daddy Weave is currently traversing the
nation on its “What Life Would Be Like Tour,” a continuance of last fall’s successful 37-city run in support of the band’s 2008
CD of the same name.
Celebrating a 11 years together with all original members still intact, headliner Big Daddy Weave is visiting 31 additional
cities spanning...
<< Full Report >>

*Monday, March 16th, 2009*

GMA's reigning three-time Female Vocalist of the Year and Curb recording artist, Natalie Grant,
will hit the road this week for her spring “Make It Matter Tour.” Sponsored by The Revolve Tour, HearItFirst and Grant's
Home Foundation, the tour will also feature American Idol finalist and Brash recording artist Chris Sligh, Word recording artist
Meredith Andrews, and will introduce new recording artist Evan Milby...
<< Full Report >>

There’s never any slowing of action for Celtic-punk outfit FLATFOOT 56. Following
a month spent in the studio to assemble the pieces for their forthcoming full-length album, the band will immediately return to
the road for a headlining tour through the Midwest and East Coast with Boston punkers FAR FROM FINISHED, kicking off March 29...
<< Full Report >>

Known for his roles in films such as “How to Eat Fried Worms,” “Because of Winn Dixie”
and Disney Channel’s “Minutemen,” 13 year old Luke Benward is now making his mark
on the music scene with his first album Let Your Love Out releasing April 21, 2008 on iShine Records.
Produced by “In Crowd,” Shaun Shankel and Aaron Benward, the third generation singer’s first album contains ten tracks...
<< Full Report >>

The response has been enthusiastic for Rush Of Fools’ first headlining tour,
Wonder Of The World, in support of their latest CD. The show has a strong lineup of incredible talent that also includes;
Jimmy Needham, Sarah Reeves, and Joy Lippard. When the tour ends on April 5th, it will have covered seventeen cities with the
show performing before an estimated ten-thousand people. The tour recently played the Nashville area at Metro Baptist Church...
<< Full Report >>

Gotee's own B.REITH's "GO ON" video competes for spotlight on MTVU's "The Freshman" site this coming Monday, March 16th.
Fans can go to http://freshmen.mtvu.com to vote for B. Reith as an emerging new artist to watch!
Voting begins Monday and lasts through Friday, March 20th.
“It’s amazing when God truly gives someone a gift,” says Gotee label founder tobyMac. “Brian is just naturally gifted from God...
<< Full Report >>

Joy Williams and a group of other artists that includes Caedmon's Call and Ginny Owens (among others), announced yesterday
their alliance with "Brite Revolution," a way to provide more music to fans more often "while supporting a number of non-profit causes."
Below is Joy's announcement...
"I wanted to let all of you know about a new website that I am a part of called Brite Revolution (http://briterevolution.com).
Brite Revolution's mission is...
<< Full Report >>

*Saturday, March 14th, 2009*

Yesterday, Inpop Records rock band Everyday Sunday was involved in a serious van and trailer accident that left the guys' gear in
shambles, but miraculously spared their lives without serious injuries. All reports yesterday were from the band's management.
Today, the guys issued a personal statement to the fans about yesterday's events.
"We just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has been praying for us the past 24 hours... God was Truly present in the situation...
<< Full Report >>

*Friday, March 13th, 2009*

This just in from Everyday Sunday's management. Please keep the guys in your prayers...
"Please be praying for the guys in Everyday Sunday.
We JUST go word that they were in an accident in Valparaiso, IN where
all 4 are being taken by ambulance to the local hospital. Their vehicle
& trailer went off the road and over-turned. We do not know the extent...
<< Full Report >>

Integrity Music/Gateway Create artist Kari Jobe will appear on “Praise the Lord”
on TBN Friday, March 13. The show airs at 10 p.m. ET. Check your local television listings or visit
http://www.tbn.org/index.php/2/2.html to find out where to watch.
Kari will perform four songs from her current hit debut CD, including the radio single
and YouTube sensation...
<< Full Report >>

Integrity Music launches the first ever Christian artist iPhone
Application in support of multiple GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove Award winner, Soul Train Award winner and double RIAA certified
Gold-selling artist Israel Houghton and his critically acclaimed album,
The Power Of One, releasing March 24 on Integrity Music/Columbia Records. Launching this week and available for
FREE at the iPhone App Store, Israel’s app is on a short list of recording artists that have their own apps, including Akon...
<< Full Report >>

GMA’s New Artist of the Year, Song of the Year nominee and the best-selling new solo act of 2008,
Chris Sligh has had a great debut year following the release of his critically –
acclaimed debut, RUNNING BACK TO YOU, and his hit singles “Empty Me” and “Arise.”
Now, as he prepares to release two new singles this month (“Something Beautiful” to CHR and “Vessel” to AC on 3/27), the man
who also co –wrote Rascal Flatts current hit single, “Here Comes Goodbye,” wants to “give back” during what he knows is...
<< Full Report >>

Switchfoot finally broke silence via a newsletter today. Fans can also keep tabs on how their long awaited new
album is coming on Twitter now... "We are home recording again! It feels like we are rounding 3rd base and can see homeplate coming into view. When the dust settles I hope you guys enjoy these songs as much as we are enjoying the process." - Chad
"We will be hitting the road throughout the U S of A this Spring and Summer...
<< Full Report >>

Former Essential Records rock band Day Of Fire is returning with a brand new
album on a brand new home label. Yesterday the band made the following new album announcement, while they label status on
their myspace page has been listed as being signed with mainstream outfit Razor And Tie. We're sure there's more info to come soon...
"Hello friends! We are in Asheville, NC mixing the new DoF album for YOU!...
<< Full Report >>

Revive, Brandon Heath and Jars of Clay
performed, with Third Day hosting, a Spring Break Showcase event at Stonecreek Church in Alpharetta, GA Tuesday night to a
packed crowd. Revive opened the show with a high energy set wrapping up with its current radio single and title track to its
debut album “Chorus of the Saints.” Brandon Heath followed with a bumped up
version of his hit single and Dove nominated song “Give Me Your Eyes.” Wrapping up the concert event was Jars of Clay with...
<< Full Report >>

Melody Hill Music is pleased to announce it’s debut CD release Resurrection Worship: Songs of Hope
(http://melodyhillmusic.com/resurrection_worship.html). Ten artists, ten songs, one subject – the resurrection. The CD, that
releases March 18th, is the first volume in the company’s songwriter’s series collection and is produced by music veterans
Vince Emmett and George Cocchini. 10 of Christian music’s top writers and performers, collectively representing a Grammy
Award, multiple Grammy nominations, nearly two-dozen Dove Awards, and numerous top radio singles...
<< Full Report >>

Popular Christian worship band Sonicflood will perform on March
20th at Trinity Church in Geneva, Alabama, one of the small towns that was ravaged during the recent shooting rampage that
claimed 10 lives. The concert will begin at 7:00pm CST at Trinity Church, 2964 Hwy 52 East, Geneva, AL 36340.
"We can't imagine the pain this community is going through and our prayers are with them all," states Sonicflood...
<< Full Report >>

Revolution Art hip-hop duo GRITS bid television viewers in Edmonton,
Alberta a "Beautiful Morning," performing its Dove Award nominated hit radio single on Citytv's "Breakfast Television" Friday,
March 6, 2009. GRITS' was in town to entertain audiences during half-time at the Edmonton Oil Kings hockey game that evening...
<< Full Report >>

Word Entertainment is slated to release two Women of Faith albums on March 17,
including A Grand New Day from the Women of Faith Worship Team, and New Every Morning, a compilation
featuring songs centered around the theme of God’s mercy being new every day, with songs by Mandisa, Avalon, Francesca
Battistelli and Meredith Andrews...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, March 12th, 2009*

Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing and the company’s writers received top honors on Friday,
Feb. 20, 2009 at a press conference announcing the 2009 GMA Dove Award nominations. BBMP itself garnered three nods for Song
of the Year in addition to 30 total nominations represented by its writers.
Among Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing’s most recognized writers this year was Ian Eskelin, who co-wrote Song of the Year...
<< Full Report >>

Phillip LaRue's "Found" will air during tomorrow's episode of CBS' The Ghost Whisperer (Friday, March 13th).
"Found" can be currently heard on Phillip's Myspace.
Phillip LaRue will release his freewheeling spirited solo debut album "Let the Road Pave Itself" on BEC Recordings April 7th,
2009. This release is a masterpiece in the making as Phillip LaRue finished recording the organic collection...
<< Full Report >>

Belfast, Ireland-based modern worship band Bluetree scores another No. 1 in the U.S. as its
highly anticipated debut album, God Of This City, gains sales and captures the top Christian Retail and Praise &
Worship chart positions for the second consecutive week. Released last week on the Lucid Artist label, the album also lands at
No. 113 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart, up 12 positions from last week as fellow Irish band U2 takes No. 1...
<< Full Report >>

*Wednesday, March 11th, 2009*

Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-nominated artist Canton Jones is on a search to get the perfect
title for his next record. Currently working on his fourth original album for Arrow Records, gospel hip hop artist Canton Jones
is a young but seasoned artist whose positive and outstanding range of talents have made him a fan favorite with his
exhilarating stage shows, catchy mix of music that crosses genres from hip hop to gospel, R&B and more, and encouraging
messages about faith and life’s struggles and choices. Reaching out to his fans for their inspiration, Canton Jones is...
<< Full Report >>

As she nears the release of her sophomore project FREEDOM, the buzz is brewing far and wide for American Idol Season 5
finalist and recording artist MANDISA.
The woman Entertainment Weekly called a 'vocal powerhouse,' whose debut, TRUE BEAUTY, was nominated for a GRAMMY® and was
the best-selling new artist debut ever for her label, Sparrow Records (EMI Music), has lost an incredible 75 lbs and everyone's...
<< Full Report >>

The four-piece worship rock band Seven Stories Up
is ready to release Falling, their debut project with VSR Music Group/EMI-CMG Distribution. Hitting shelves May 19th,
this Atlanta-based group is no stranger to touring as they continue to hit the road performing at churches, festivals and teen
camps, and are more than eager to get the word out about Falling.
"There is a general theme throughout that makes the name Falling really make sense," states frontman Andy Rocker...
<< Full Report >>

Everyday Sunday is gearing up for the June 16th release of their brand new album, Best Night Of Our Lives.
Two new singles will be releasing to radio everywhere March 27th: The title track, "Best Night Of Our Lives," is the band's
first rock single and "Where I Ended" will be their first CHR/Top 40 release. Below is an announcement made yesterday about
"Best Night Of Our Lives" debuting next Tuesday on Radio U! "We're bringing you the world premiere of the brand new Everyday Sunday single, "Best Night Of Our Lives," from the new album...
<< Full Report >>

WorshipSource.com, the leading community networking site for church worship leaders, worship
writers and artists as well as the passionate worshiper, and Word Records have joined forces to create the quintessential audio
series for the Church. With the tag line “The Songs The Church Is Singing,” the 30 All Time Favorite Series features 30 songs
on two CD’s at a fan-friendly price.
The first in the series, 30 All Time Favorite Worship Songs, releases March 17th...
<< Full Report >>

*Tuesday, March 10th, 2009*

One of Christian music’s most recognizable and prolific female voices,
Christy Nockels is performing for national audiences on Chris Tomlin’s
“Hello Love Tour” her first solo radio single, “Life Light Up.” The song will vie for adds at Christian radio beginning this
month and appear on Nockels’ sixstepsrecords debut, Life Light Up, in stores June 2.
Former member of celebrated vocal duo Watermark and perennial Female Vocalist of the Year Dove...
<< Full Report >>

New Sparrow Records artist, 19-year-old Alabama native Sarah Reeves will release her
debut Sweet, Sweet Sound on April 21. The six-song set reveals a tapestry of worship-inducing pop distinguished by her sweet
vocals and unashamedly vulnerable lyrics.
Written in conjunction with Nashville’s most sought-after songwriters, including two-time SESAC Songwriter of the Year Jason
Ingram (Brandon Heath, Rush Of Fools, Tenth Avenue North)...
<< Full Report >>

After having released the two-album project last May, Anorexia and Nervosa, Showbread is already hard at work
on their next project, tentatively titled The Fear Of God. Here is the band's announcement...
"We are writing a new album that will be recorded in April, 2009.
Writing is almost finished, studio rehearsals/rewriting begins a week from today. during that time there will
be daily updates as well as live video streaming...
<< Full Report >>

*Monday, March 9th, 2009*

After 22 years and more than 2000 shows, newsboys frontman Peter Furler will
no longer front the band in concert. Michael Tait will be touring with the band as lead singer with Peter
making special appearances throughout the year.
Peter will continue with the band and his trademark songwriting and production will remain as he focuses his professional
career toward future newsboys recordings...
<< Full Report >>

Rave reviews are pouring in for singer Melinda Doolittle,
whose debut CD Coming Back To You released last month on Hi Fi Recordings.
Doolittle, a renowned 2007 American Idol finalist known for her humility amidst celebrity and her love for God, delivers a
critically acclaimed collection of retro soul, R&B and funk covers and previously unreleased originals on Coming Back To
You...
<< Full Report >>

Pillar has announced the start of a brand new album, their follow-up to the 2008 two-time Dove nominated For The Love
Of The Game. This will be the band's first album since original member Michael Wittig and drummer Lester Estelle left the band.
Vocalist Rob Beckley issued this update today...
"Well a new era has begun. We have officially started working on a new record and the songs being put together are arguably
the best yet. We are working with producer/writer Rob Graves on what is guaranteed to be a great record. We have had a lot of...
<< Full Report >>

Women of Faith’s 2009 Tour “A Grand New Day” will hit 28 cities March–November and is expected to attract more than 300,000
women for a much-needed opportunity to bond, connect and be inspired as a diverse array of musical artists, authors, and
performers take the stage in a weekend designed to offer them renewed strength and hope as they forge ahead.
The Columbus event will feature a diverse line-up of musical artists, speakers and special guests, including GRAMMY Winner
Steven Curtis Chapman, GRAMMY Nominee & “American Idol” break-out finalist...
<< Full Report >>

*Sunday, March 8th, 2009*

Rumors have been flying online since Michael Tait filled in for Peter Furler at a recent Newsboys show
and announced that he'd be taking over for the longtime NB vocalist. Today, Dale Bray, Inpop Records President
confirmed the rumors are true on the Newsboys message board. More details to follow...
"I work at Inpop Records and want to give you a brief update on what is happening.
First of all there is nothing wrong with Peter's health. Everything that was said on stage last night was correct.
Peter, the bands' management and Inpop will have an official announcement hopefully this week...
<< Full Report >>

*Saturday, March 7th, 2009*

Kyle Rae Sweet, wife of Styrper vocalist Michael Sweet, has passed on and is now at peace with her Savior, our Lord Jesus
Christ. Please continue to pray for the Sweet family. We ask that if you wish to express your sympathies within an e-mail
that you send them to the following e-mail address: thesweetfamily@michaelsweet.com.
Kyle was diagnosed with cancer in February 2007. She passed away at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 5, 2009.
Kyle's life was dedicated to caring for her husband and home-schooling their two children...
<< Full Report >>

Provident News... After RED’s Feb. 10 release of Innocence & Instinct,
the album still dominates the Christian music charts. The rock band remains at No. 1 on the Current Contemporary Christian
Albums chart and No. 4 on the Record Label Independent Current Albums. RED’s sales continue to climb as it ends its third
week with 64,349 in unit sales. The sophomore album sits at No. 12 on the Top Current Alternative Albums chart, No. 20 on
the Top...
<< Full Report >>

Forefront Records bands This Beautiful Republic,
Abandon and Philmont
celebrate a successful "RadioU Live" in-studio performance, a first for the network, at RadioU and TVU headquarters in
Columbus, Ohio on Feb. 19, 2009. One stop along the "Forefront Tour," which visited 6 cities from Feb. 17-Feb. 20, the show
aired live on RadioU (88.7 FM) and online, with a special repeat airing on TVU tonight, March 6, at 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm...
<< Full Report >>

*Friday, March 6th, 2009*

33Miles’ member Collin Stoddard will make an
inspirational appearance on The 700 Club this Monday, Mar. 9. Stoddard will be sharing the story of his restoration of hearing
and how that led him to a music career at an early age on the CBN show. Hosted by Pat Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen and Gordon
Robertson with news anchor Lee Webb, The 700 Club is a live television program that airs weekdays before a live studio audience...
<< Full Report >>

Slanted Records' acclaimed rock band DecembeRadio will
debut its first concept video “Look for Me” on Friday, March 13th, at 5:00 EDT with a world premiere on the Gospel Music
Channel (times will vary based on network commitments in specific time zones). The Gospel Music Channel is the
fastest-growing network in television and can be seen in more than 40 million homes on various cable systems around the country
and on DIRECTV on channel 338...
<< Full Report >>

Last weekend, 2009 Male Vocalist of the Year nominee, Jeremy Camp
traveled to Colorado Springs to lead worship and share for the Focus on the Family Marriage Conference simulcast event.
Jeremy, along with wife Adie, lead more than 70,000 people across the nation in song and praise. Camp appeared along with
best-sellers and speakers Beth Moore, Dr. Gary Smalley, Dr. John Trent, Gary Thomas and Dr. Del Tackett.
The marriage conference focused on seeing marriage through the eyes of God...
<< Full Report >>

After their successful debut Southern Weather, The Almost is deep in the writing process for their follow-up
sophomore album due out later this year. Today, vocalist and the brains behind the band, Aaron Gillespie, addressed
fans with an update on how the process is going and a special word from his heart on fear and his trust in God...
"Updates i hear on myspace typically come in the form bulletins, but i prefer blogs in their story-like prose. Since pretty...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, March 5th, 2009*

Flynn Adam has teamed up with Pigeon John
for a 20-city West Coast “The Pink Limousine Tour” which begins tomorrow in Reno, NV and ends on April 4th in Flynn Adam’s home
state of California, with two featured performances at the legendary SXSW music conference in Austin, TX. The tour will
feature not only the dynamic duo of Flynn Adam and Pigeon John under the group name of “Rootbeer,” but will also showcase
the acts separately with Flynn Adam performing songs from his solo music debut, including the current single “Such A Time...
<< Full Report >>

Sarah Kelly recently wrote a song in support of cancer research entitled "Live Every Love Song" and debuted it at Vineyard Community Church
in Cincinnati, OH recently. Below is a blog from Sarah all about it and a link to hear the live recording...
"i am so excited to share this blog with you guys. a while back the WCRF, which is for cancer research, approached me about
writing a song for their upcoming campaign. i was honored and happy to be considered for the project. after weeks of trying to...
<< Full Report >>

Folk singer/songwriter Justin McRoberts has just announced a long planned, long awaited cover song project that he intends
to reveal later this year. Although the singer is being pretty tight-lipped about the songs being chosen for the project
(a great deal of it, if not all of it, will likely be mainstream songs), McRoberts had this to say about the album...
"I have been playing, revamping and choosing songs for this project for the past 2 years and Im excited to begin recording...
<< Full Report >>

Compassion International, the world’s largest one to one sponsorship organization,
and nearly 1,000 Christian radio stations will dedicate one day of broadcast on March 11, 2009, to help children around the
world who have been affected by The Global Food Crisis.
“I have been fighting poverty for more than 30 years,” said Wess Stafford, president and CEO of Compassion International.
“Throughout that time I have never seen the...
<< Full Report >>

Southlake, TEXAS—February 20, 2009... 1in3Trinity, a Faith-inspired company of lifestyle products, is proud to announce that
it has signed worship band SONICFLOOd to endorse their newly released
faith-inspired energy drink, 1in3Trinity Energy Drink.
“We are excited to have SONICFLOOd endorsing our drink,” says Lori Norwood, CO-Founder and Vice President of 1in3Trinity.
“We find SONICFLOOd to be an excellent source of inspiration to inject...
<< Full Report >>

The Now And Not Yet, the sophomore CD from critically-acclaimed worship leader
Jeremy Riddle, has reached the #1 spot on iTunes’ Christian & Gospel album sales
chart. Produced by Ron Aniello (Lifehouse, Jeremy Camp, Sixpence None the Richer), the project was released March 3 and is the
eagerly anticipated follow-up to 2007’s critically-acclaimed Full Attention.
In addition to becoming an instant hit with fans, The Now And Not Yet is already receiving critical...
<< Full Report >>

Belfast, Ireland-based modern worship band Bluetree
hits U.S. shores with its highly anticipated debut album, God Of This City. Releasing this week on the Lucid Artist label and
already climbing to the top of the sales charts this week, the album hit No. 1 on the Christian Retail and Praise & Worship
charts, and No. 125 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart.
“An Irish-invasion is happening this week!” exclaims Greg Lucid, Lucid Artist CEO referring to Bluetree...
<< Full Report >>

Inpop Records bands Julian Drive and
Article One convene for a photo before taking the stage at Full Gospel Church in
Killeen, Texas on March 1, 2009. The labelmates are currently performing on the "All 4 Love" tour, which kicked off last month and
runs through March. For a complete list of tour dates, visit: http://www.juliandrive.com...
<< Full Report >>

Dream Records’ debut artist, Press Play will
release its debut project, Life Is Beautiful through Universal Christian Music Group/Fontana Distribution, on May 19, 2009.
The first recorded project from Dream Records, Life Is Beautiful is a powerful 13-track CD that features songs written and
performed by Press Play members, featuring life changing lyrics, skillful musicianship and passionate vocals. A blend of pop...
<< Full Report >>

*Wednesday, March 4th, 2009*

The Christian Festival Association, a coalition of over two dozen
Christian music festivals across the country, recently announced plans for its 2009 National Talent Search. The organization
is partnering with Word Label Group, which will provide a development deal for the winner of the nationwide
search for new talent in Christian music.
“The purpose of this exciting new venture is to identify and provide a platform for new artists who can communicate a
God-centered worldview in the language of contemporary...
<< Full Report >>

xDeathstarx has just announced they will be playing their last show at Facedown
Fest 2009. "We have decided to pull the plug on xDeathstarx," says vocalist and founder Eric Gregson. "We're all moving on and
we'd like to thank everyone who has supported us through the years." You can catch xDSx and their final farewell on Saturday,
April 4th at The Glasshouse in Pomona, CA...
<< Full Report >>

*Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009*

Superchick's song "So Beautiful," from its GRAMMY nominated album
Rock What You Got, has been selected as the theme song for "Running In
Heels," a new realilty program on the Style Network. The show, which premiered March 1, follows a group of interns competing
for a job at Marie Claire magazine...
<< Full Report >>

Fiction Family is on MTVU Freshman this week for voting. Whoever receives the
most votes gets added to the show. Let your voice be heard and VOTE for Fiction Family's video "When She's Near!"
Visit http://www.mtvu.com/category/music/the-freshmen/ now.
Fiction Family represents the off-shoot of two other groups: the lead singer of Switchfoot Jon Foreman and Nickel Creek...
<< Full Report >>

Flyleaf posted this letter to fans today...
"Everyone, My (Sameer) cousin, Esther, has received recent news that she has medullablastoma in stage 4, which is the most aggressive
stage. She is a 22 year old girl with her whole life ahead of her. I love her. She is a sister to me.
The cancer has spread to her spine neck and brain. Insurance will not help out and they don't have the money to manage this...
<< Full Report >>

Finally—something mothers and their teenage daughters can agree on! By the droves
nationally, they’re finding this new found sense of unity on ‘what’s cool’ at a unique one night Christian music/ministry
conference event called simply—what else—SHE!
It’s a unique evening with Grammy Award winning Christian singer and best selling author Rebecca St. James as the centerpiece.
The SHE event was first creatively birthed from...
<< Full Report >>

“Your Grace Is Enough,” the modern worship classic, written by Essential Records recording
artist MATT MAHER, saw strong gains in church exposure during the spring and
summer of 2008, according to Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI), which tracks the popularity of music in
churches across the U.S.
According to CCLI’s tracking system, “Your Grace Is Enough” was the 13th most popular song sung in churches in the United...
<< Full Report >>

Joy Williams's new EP One Of those Days officially releases today on CD, available to purchase exclusively via
http://sensibilitymusic.com.
CD prices (includes shipping & handling in the US) are --
$5.99 (1 CD) / $7.99 (3 CDs) (1 for you, 2 for friends) / $9.99 (5 CDs) (1 for you, 4 for friends).
Thanks to all of you who have pre-ordered the CD and all of you who have
purchased the EP digitally at iTunes, Amazon and eMusic. We've been...
<< Full Report >>

Brandon Heath, Jars of Clay, Mandisa, Bart Millard and Matthew West have
been added to an artist line-up that already includes Francesca Battistelli, Point of Grace, Diamond Rio and Group 1 Crew to be
a part of GMA Music Week 2009, which will take place April 18-22 in Nashville, Tenn.
Jars of Clay will be the featured performer for the MAPS Field Trip on April 19, while Heath and West will be among the artists
taking part in the "Heart of the Artist" session. Back by popular demand, the "Heart of the Artist" session offers registrants...
<< Full Report >>

“The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular,” well established as Christian music’s largest annual musical
tour, is defying today’s challenging economy by notching yet another record-breaking year. Still in progress, Winter Jam 2009’s
average nightly attendance increase of more than 4 percent over last year’s record-setting pace is highlighted by the recent
stop in Greensboro, NC which boasted an unprecedented Winter Jam turnout of more than 20,000 people...
<< Full Report >>

We just got wind of the exciting news that AMAZON.com is giving away three FREE House of Heroes songs from their latest
album, The End Is Not The End. The album, which Jesusfreakhideout.com staff picked as their choice for Album
Of The Year in 2008, finally hits stores today, March 3rd, and to celebrate, AmazonMP3 is giving away the songs "If,"
"Lose Control," and "In The Valley Of The Dying Sun!" Click here to get your free downloads...
<< Full Report >>

*Monday, March 2nd, 2009*

A story featuring Big Daddy Weave’s Mike Weaver
and his “90 in ‘09” weight loss challenge is scheduled to broadcast this Wednesday, March 4 on CBN’s nationally syndicated
program, The 700 Club.
Resolving to lose 90 pounds this year, Weaver’s feature will additionally include 90 in ’09 support team including author Scott...
<< Full Report >>

Tooth & Nail Records, BEC Recordings and Solid State artists continue to pave the road with studio time, music videos, touring,
blogging and radio highlights. Also check out and follow our new Twitter at overturemedia for current updates and news bits.
The Almost is preparing for their follow-up to the huge debut "Southern Weather."
They are currently writing and will go into the studio with Aaron Sprinkle in April...
<< Full Report >>

This just in from Facedown Records.... "Our very own Take It Back! were picked as
one of AP Magazine's 100 bands to know in 2009!? The new AP issue is on newsstands now so check it out. Take It Back! will be
entering the studio this week to record a limited edition EP that will be out this summer. They'll be appearing at Facedown Fest
and Cornerstone Festival and are planning on releasing the follow up full length to Can?t Fight Robots this fall. Check out...
<< Full Report >>

On the heels of three GMA Dove Award nominations including “New Artist of the Year,”
“Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year,” and “Short Form Video of the Year,” Word Records’ rock newcomers
Remedy Drive are excited to announce their summer tour plans.
Since the release of their debut album Daylight Is Coming, the band has had an impact on fans and promoters alike, garnering
rave reviews and stops at over 20 of the nation’s biggest Christian music festivals...
<< Full Report >>

Metal act Mortification is at it again. The band, which has been making music for the masses since
the mid-80's, has announced the recording of a new album, titled The Evil Addiction Destroying Machine. Below
are the details from frontman/bassist Steve Rowe...
"Special new Mortification Studio Album "the evil addiction destroying machine" offer! Get your name Im-Mort-Alized...
<< Full Report >>